Location and Job Title:

Start Up Nation Unit Head
Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
411 E. Clinton Ave.
Tenafly, NJ 07670

Principal Responsibilities:

SUPERVISOR: Director of Program Development and Israeli Innovation

STATUS: Seasonal Position, Full-Time During Camp Season

About Neil Klatskin Summer Camps & Youth Programming:

Neil Klatskin Summer Camps offers traditional day camp programming for children 2yrs to entering 2nd Grade and various specialty camps for children entering 3rd-10th Grade.Our Youth Programming, Camp 365, includes afterschool enrichment classes, vacation camps, and family community events that continue the camp spirit and foster relationships and connections to the JCC throughout the year.

Our camps are situated on an incredible 21-acre property. The campus features three heated pools, a water park and splash pad, sports fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, an exhilarating challenge course with zip line, and multiple playgrounds. Camp also has use of the indoor JCC facilities with dozens of air-conditioned classrooms, gyms, racquetball courts, a kosher, nut-aware kitchen, dance studios, and a theater.

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking a highly organized, responsible, and people-oriented individual to coordinate and manage a group of Israeli post-army Shlichim working at the JCC Neil Klatskin Summer Camp.

This role involves providing logistical, social, and emotional support to the Shlichim throughout their time in the U.S., ensuring they have a successful and meaningful summer experience. This is a dynamic and rewarding role that offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on the Shlichim's summer experience and their connection to Jewish life in the Diaspora.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Pre-Camp

• Leadership Meetings (February-June): Participate in monthly leadership meetings for training and planning. Meetings will be held either in the morning or from 6-8 PM; dinner provided.
• Open Houses: Attend and support Camp Open Houses on February 8,2026 and April 24, 2026 engaging with families, answering questions, and representing the camp in a positive and professional manner.
• Shlichim & Staff Orientation (June 8-9, 14-19): Attend and support orientation week for Shlichim and staff. Responsibilities include introducing them to the JCC, our community, and camp culture; preparing camper bags; sharing updates from the leadership team; and helping staff get settled.
• Camp Meet & Greet (Sunday, June 21): Oversee and participate in the Meet & Greet event. Tasks include planning activities, organizing materials, coordinating staff, welcoming families, answering questions, supporting counselors in connecting with campers, distributing camper bags, and creating a positive, engaging atmosphere.

• Staff Orientation Week (June 7, 8, 15, 16): Attend staff orientation to help counselors build connections, participate in activities, prepare room d?cor, and get ready for the summer. Provide guidance and answer any questions.

During-Camp

• Supervise and support a team of 10-15 counselors, providing ongoing guidance, coaching, and real-time problem solving.
• Work closely with the Program Development Director and Camp Director to ensure smooth daily operations, communicate schedule changes, and equip counselors for success.
• Support camper groups totaling 75-100 children, ensuring their safety, well-being, and positive experience.
• Monitor campers' needs, including eating habits, behavior, health concerns, hydration, and sun safety.
• Communicate with parents as needed regarding activities, events, and group updates.
• Foster strong staff morale and help integrate both campers and staff into the camp community.
• Oversee specialists during group periods to ensure engaging, age-appropriate programming.
• Coordinate with the Specialty Coordinator regarding schedule adjustments and group needs.
• Oversee daily counselor and camper assignments to maintain organization and consistency.
• Plan and lead weekly staff meetings focused on training, challenges, and upcoming activities.
• Ensure staff clean and reset materials and supplies at the end of each day.
• Communicate frequently with the Camp Director about camper and staff successes, concerns, and incidents.
• Supervise camper arrival and dismissal.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and values-driven camp environment; model respect, teamwork, and responsibility.
• Manage group dynamics, addressing conflicts and behavioral issues promptly and constructively.
• Maintain accurate daily attendance records.
• Participate in end-of-season evaluation and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Camp Staff Meetings every Thursday from 5:15pm-6:30pm during the 8 weeks of camp

SALARY RANGE: Salary Range $6,500K-$7,500K. Salary Commensurate with experience.

Benefits

Complimentary JCC family or Individual membership. 50% Staff Discount on Camp Tuition

To apply: Please email a cover letter and resume to Melissa Peters at: Mpeters@jccotp.org

Minimum Qualifications:

• Certified Educator with Teaching Credentials (preferred)
• Experience working with children in grades 3-7 in a school, camp, or related youth serving setting.
• Desire and ability to work with children and adults in camp setting
• A strong commitment to, and alignment with, the values of the JCC and its mission
• Experience in supervising staff

Salary:

$65000

Agency Information:

Kaplen JCC On The Palisades is a welcoming home away from home for all who pass through its front doors. Our 185,000 square foot building plus acres of outside grounds feature 2 fitness centers, an indoor and outdoor aquatics center, group exercise, spin and pilates studios, 2 gymnasiums, tennis and racquet courts, indoor track, a luxurious spa, multiple playgrounds and fields and so much more. The JCC is home to the renowned Thurnauer School of Music, Leonard and Syril Rubin Nursery School, Neil Klatskin Day Camp, and the JCC Dance and Drama Schools. The JCC is also proud to offer extensive, high quality programs and services to adults of all ages, as well as to seniors and individuals with special needs.

VISION

Our vision is to be the center point of Jewish life in our community and to engage all generations in our mission and values.

MISSION
Deeply rooted in Jewish values and tradition, the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades is a vibrant home for the Jewish People that welcomes all and cultivates the social, intellectual, physical and spiritual well-being of the entire community.

VALUES

We are committed to demonstrating the following values and ask respect for these values from those with whom we interact:

COMMUNITY
CONNECTION TO JUDAISM AND ISRAEL
INTEGRITY
QUALITY
RESPECT
RESPONSIBILITY
SAFETY
TIKKUN OLAM (repairing the world)